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Yankees Reach Deal with LaTroy Hawkins

"12/09/2007 11:30 PM ET

Yankees reach deal with Hawkins

Veteran right-hander likely to fill setup role in bullpen

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com

The deal was reported by the Associated Press and is subject to Hawkins passing a physical. A baseball official familiar with the negotiations, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the transaction, which has not been officially announced.

The right-handed Hawkins, who turns 35 on Dec. 21, was 2-5 with a 3.42 ERA with the National League champion Colorado Rockies this past season. He is expected to fill the role of right-hander Luis Vizcaino, who declined the Yankees' offer of salary arbitration last week. Vizcaino, who is seeking a multiyear contract, is expected to sign elsewhere.

Hawkins will be joining his fifth Major League team, having spent nine seasons of his 13-year career with the Twins. The Twins and Rangers also had expressed interest.

A workhorse who has appeared in 60 games or more in eight straight seasons, Hawkins also has pitched for the Cubs, Giants and Orioles. During the 2007 season, Hawkins appeared in 62 games for the Rockies, allowing 52 hits in 55 1/3 innings. He walked 16 and struck out 29. " Source-MLB.com

Good job by Brian Cashman. When Joba left the bullpen for the starting rotation, the setup role became one of the biggest needs on the team. While Hawkins is a bit long in the tooth and has a lot of miles on his arm (he's pitched in 631 career games) , he is another solid option to compete for the setup spot.